Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power congratulated Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill) after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him to be the state's next chief financial officer (CFO) on Wednesday. Sen. Ingoglia replaces former CFO Jimmy Patronis, who resigned to successfully run for Congress in the 1st Congressional District.
“I want to congratulate Blaise Ingoglia on his appointment to serve the people of Florida,” Power said in a release. “As a former Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, Blaise led our party to historic victories and laid a strong foundation for the political success we enjoy today. His proven leadership and steadfast commitment to conservative principles will continue to deliver a lasting impact on our great state.”
Ingoglia has represented Senate District 11 since 2022. The area consists of Citrus, Hernando, Sumter counties and part of Pasco County. He also served as the Republican Party of Florida Chairman from 2015 to 2019, succeeding Leslie Dougher.
At his announcement, the governor praised Ingoglia for being the "most conservative Senator in Florida," as well as a "warrior."
"I want people that run into the fire, that run towards the battle," DeSantis said on Ingoglia, who's also a close friend of his. "Every single time we've had a flash point in Florida, Blaise is running into battle to stand up for people like you."
But the celebrations could be short-lived.
While DeSantis picked his buddy as CFO, President Donald Trump previously endorsed Sen. Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) for the position's general election next fall.
Sen. Gruters backed Trump, not DeSantis, for president in 2023.
The CFO general election could set up a political proxy war between Trump and DeSantis, whom the president recently called a close friend at the opening of Florida's new illegal alien detention facility, now known as "Alligator Alcatraz."
DeSantis doesn't appear to be a fan of Gruters either, saying even an undead George Washington couldn't convince him to be the next CFO.
